There’s growing scientific consensus on the subject of climate change and global warming — and to some there is no doubt. Whether it’s when we receive periodic summer warnings for air quality or ozone issues in the greater Philly area, or when we travel to Delhi or Beijing . . . the effect of the industrial age on our environment is unquestionable. Breathing healthy air or enjoying the pleasures of beautiful, clean, safe water are certainly not to be taken for granted in today’s world and time. As human beings, each of knows there’s good and bad. We have been learning since the first day out of Mother’s womb.
Sometimes the problems seem so huge or disproportionate to any small impact I can make individually, it becomes easy to disregard either my potential impact in a negative or bad way, or my potential impact in a positive or good way. Regarding my own choice and opportunity of work as a real estate developer, I can’t escape my impact on the environment, good or bad. Residential and Commercial buildings create nearly 40% of the carbon dioxide in our air. What can I do . . . what can we do?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), founded and created by the United States Green Building Council, promotes best practices and standards in technical and scientific detail about the impacts of constructing and operating the buildings we live, work, and sometimes play in. The implementation of these best practices and standards in developing and constructing these buildings are awarded achievement recognition at the levels of LEED ; Platinum (highest and best), Gold(next), Silver, and Certified (i.e. pass). When you delve into the detail of the kinds of choices and work needed to achieve these levels, it fascinating — and really cool.
This is something I can do. This is a statement I can embrace . . . a small difference I can make. It isn’t necessarily easy to make these choices, nor is the requisite hard work. Costs are a factor. However, the willingness to work a bit harder, a bit smarter, possibly even finding creative solutions that surprise ourselves, can and could be rewarding.
This is something I can do . . it’s something I have decided to do. On this issue, I’m in and I know I can make a difference.
Scott
